Sky Train scandal: Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi pleads not guilty to all charges

In the ongoing trial about the Sky Train project, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi pleaded not guilty. He is the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). He appeared in the High Court in Accra today, May 26.

The 80-year-old professor faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct. This includes a $2 million payment for an urban railway system that was never built.

The specific charges are:

- Count 1: Conspiracy to commit a crime—Plea: Not guilty
- Count 2: Wilfully causing financial loss to the state—Plea: Not guilty
- Count 4: Conspiracy to commit a crime—Plea: Not guilty
- Count 6: Intentional dissipation of public funds—Plea: Not guilty

During the hearing, his lawyer requested bail for Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi. The lawyer argued that he is not a flight risk and has serious health issues needing ongoing medical care.

“He is a man of means and high repute,” said the defense lawyer. The professor has served as Minister of Education and Minister of Ports and Harbours under President John Agyekum Kufuor.

He has also been Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cape Coast. Additionally, he has chaired several state institutions, including GIIF and the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

The lawyer noted that Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi recently had hip surgery affecting his mobility. This condition was “clearly evident” in court and supported by medical documents submitted to prosecutors.

He also underwent a coronary angiogram for a heart condition. Medical reports show he is hypertensive and needs regular monitoring.

To show his willingness to comply with court orders, Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi brought his passport to court. He is ready to surrender it as part of bail conditions.

“He lives permanently in Pokuase in Greater Accra Region,” added his lawyer. “He rarely travels abroad except for medical reasons.”

This case is part of wider investigations into public fund management for the Sky Train project. This project was intended as a major transport solution for Accra but remains unexecuted.

Why is Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi facing prosecution?

Earlier this month, the Attorney General’s Office charged him and Mr. Solomon Asamoah regarding their roles in the Sky Train project. They allegedly cost the state $2 million without proper authorization.

Charges were filed on May 13 at Accra High Court (Criminal Division). These include wilfully causing financial loss under criminal law and conspiracy through intentional dissipation of public funds.

Prosecutors claim that in February 2019, they authorized a $2 million payment from GIIF to Africa Investor Holdings Limited for preliminary work on Sky Train—a system that was never constructed.

This payment reportedly lacked proper board approval.

The Sky Train project began in 2018 as a public-private partnership for an urban rail system in Accra. It involved agreements between various parties including GIIF and Africa Investor Holdings.

However, investigations showed that this $2 million disbursement did not follow due diligence protocols or GIIF governance rules.

This prosecution is part of a broader government effort against financial misconduct following warnings about pending charges related to both SkyTrain and NSS ghost names scandals.